Awford: Blues showed plenty of character

Mark McMahon

Southend 3-1 Pompey: They said what?

Pompey boss Andy Awford praised his side’s character as they came from a goal behind to earn a 1-1 draw at promotion-chasing Luton today.

The pressure was on the Blues at Kenilworth Road after the 2-0 home defeat to AFC Wimbledon on Boxing Day.

And another forgettable day on the road looked on the cards after Luke Rooney put the Hatters in front on 13 minutes.

However, Pompey showed plenty of determination to rectify the situation and were back on level terms on 36 minutes after Ryan Taylor poked home Jed Wallace’s right-wing cross.

The second half saw Luton, who went into today’s game on the back of eight home wins on the bounce, dominate but without seriously testing Blues keeper Paul Jones.

And Pompey’s endeavour was rewarded as they held on to claim an important point away from Fratton Park - much to the delight of manager Awford.

‘They (the players) showed some character today,’ said Awford.

‘For me we were the better side first half and fully deserved to be level at the break, after plenty of character, plenty of resilience, plenty of determination, and it was a determined Pompey performance today.

‘I cannot affect what happened at Wimbledon, I can only affect what we were going into today.

‘But we’ve had two very good away performances now, after the draw against Cheltenham.

‘Today was a difficult place to come to. Luton are an organised side and John (Still) is a very experienced manager. But we’ve come and put a good performance in today and I’m delighted.’